Signs that your Dog is having a Veterinary Emergency

Urgent or emergency care:

You know its an emergency when your dog ingests something poison or has a traumatic event such as a dog fight, but you do not always know when to take him to the vet for less obvious reasons. Here is a list of symptoms that require immediate attention and assessment by a veterinarian.

Here are some symptoms you should watch for:

1. Changes in breathing – fast, labored or loud. Sounds of choking, drooling and distressed breathing can all be signs of respiratory distress or something obstructing the airway.
2. lethargy can be sign of many serious illnesses including pneumonia, anemia, infectious disease. If your pet is lethargic, you need to take it to the vet.
3. Blood in urine or stool – can be a sign of obstruction or infection.
4. Restless – usually a sign of pain. When a dog or cat cannot get comfortable, it may be a sign of intestinal pain, bloat, orthopedic – back or neck pain. If your pet cannot settle in and rest comfortably, it needs to be seen by the veterinarian.
5. Straining to urinate in either dogs or cats means they may have a UTI or may be blocked and cannot urinate. This is very painful and life threatening.
6. Vomiting – protracted which means vomit, vomit, vomit…this can be a sign of obstruction or ingestion of a poison.

Signs that your pet needs to Schedule a Veterinary Appointment

Non-emergency symptoms that signal your pet should see a vet:

1. Behavioral changes – less active, sleeping in different locations,
2. Itching – signs allergic reactions
3. Bad breath
4. Changes in eating or drinking pattern. Eating less or drinking more are both serious symptoms.
5. Weight loss – is usually a sign of illness in pets. Unless you are actively dieting your pet, they will not lose weight naturally.
6. Reluctance to jump up or a reluctance to go for walks. When dogs or cats change their normal exercise pattern, it is usually a sign of pain or weakness.